Heart Lake with the Cousins

This summer I was incredibly busy at work. At times I was working 70-85 hour weeks - crazy!  In early August, I took a break to go with the family to Heart Lake to have a picnic with my sister's kids.  They enjoyed the splash pad and we enjoyed just chilling!  Here is a picture of all the cousins together - all trying to sit on one chair!

 

(You will notice that Maya now has short hair - she cut it herself - well on one side !  Then we had it evened off)

 

 

 

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Paradise Revisited 2013

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was incredibly busy this summer and in dire need of a vacation.  The cottage was just what the doctor ordered.  Somehow being on the water is so relaxing.  We had seven straight days of sunny weather and the water was warm!  The kids busied themselves playing on the beach and in the water most days.  I enjoyed floating on the lake on the air mattress.  We all took turns on the wonderful hammock.  So relaxing!

 

We did try to do some outdoorsy things each day.  We went hiking at scenic caves and walking most evenings.  We also went paddle boating one day in Owen Sound. But most of the time was spent relaxing by the water and enjoying great family time. Here are some photos from our stay....

 

 

 

The cottage

 

The lovely view

 

Hours and hours playing in the sand

  

Lots of rides on the raft

Having fun!

Breakfast on the deck

Inner tube for two

Touring Meaford Harbour

Maya with her new doll

On one of many nightly walks

Hiking at Scenic Caves

Climbing at the Playground

Campfires

 

and some more S'mores!

 Paddle Boating in Owen Sound

 

Aahhh..... relaxing on the hammock

My short haired girl in her new bathing suit

 

More fun in the water

One of my favourite shots

Centre Island Says Summer - July 2013

Every year we go to Centre Island.  Summer is not the same without it!  Aidan is getting a bit old for the amusement park but Maya is just the right age.  We always go early so we don't have to wait in line for the rides. Maya especially likes the fire engine ride and went on it twice. It was a nice day but a little cool. 

 

Here are a few cell phone photos from the day....

 

 

 

 

Canada Day

This Canada Day long weekend we just stuck close to home. Over the last few months, we have taken a number of weekend trips; so I was happy to have a stay-cation.  Sunday was a beautiful day - we went down to the lake and then had a picnic in our backyard.  Sunday night we enjoyed a party at our neighbour's house. 

 

Monday, we went to Centre Island.  It was overcast but Maya and Aidan had a fun time.  With all the walking, it was quite tiring so we weren't up to staying up really late for the fireworks in Port Credit.  Instead, we just lit some sparklers in the backyard.  This was Maya's first time having sparklers so she was quite thrilled!

 

  Here are a few photos of the kids in their crazy festive hats and playing with the sparklers before they went to bed....

 

 

 

I took this one without a flash - and then lightened it up in Photoshop - kind of interesting....

TDH Picnic at Sandbanks

Every year our adoption agency sponsors a picnic at the beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park.  It's great to see all the kids and how they have grown!  It was a bit cool but a nice sunny day.  The kids enjoyed the beach, crafts and the treasure hunt!

 Maya doing crafts

Superheros!

 Having fun the on the beach!

 The older boys played baseball

 the chatty miss T.

 

N. always takes a great photo

 

Maya with Daddy

 

                 

 Getting ready for the treasure hunt

 Off they go!!

 

 

 

Following the clues

 

Finding the treasure!

 

 

 

 

 

Aidan Learns to Cook

Maya and Me in our Shades